1.4 million SMEs write-off debt each year

Across the business population, findings equate to more than 1.4 million SMEs suffering from bad debt over the past 12 months. The average amount scrapped by each business due to customers not paying invoices was £11,829.

Bibby Financial Services Global Chief Executive, David Postings said: “Bad debt is a chronic problem for SMEs and can lead to staff cuts, delayed investment plans and – at worst – insolvency. “Following the UK’s vote to leave the EU there is clearly some anxiety amongst SMEs and throughout the wider economy. But now is the time for businesses to take growth and stability into their own hands and this must start by taking a more planned approach to chasing payment and protecting themselves against the effects of bad debt.”

SMEs in the transport (30%) and construction (29%) sectors were worst hit with construction businesses writing off almost £15,000 on average over the past year.

The Quarter 2 report shows that average invoice payment times of SME customers have reduced to 38 days, down from 40 days in Quarter 1. However, this remains a week longer than the Tracker low of 31 days in Quarter 1 2014.

A Small Business Conciliation Service was announced as part of the Enterprise Act 2016 to help businesses settle payment disputes and to reduce the impact of late payment. It is unclear how the Government’s plans to revamp the Department for Business Innovation and Skills as the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, will affect previously announced measures.

Mr Postings added: “SMEs across the country must take steps to prevent late payment and non-customer payment from affecting them, particularly at a time of uncertainty when suppliers may look to squeeze payment terms for their own benefit.

The full report can be found here.